Wichita Christian News and Information

You know the saying, “everything is bigger in Texas.” That is certainly the case for the Sheraton Dallas Hotel. Located near the arts district in Dallas/Fort Worth, the property underwent a $90 million comprehensive renovation in 2009, enhancing nearly all aspects of the hotel. With over 1,800 guest rooms and over 200,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, Sheraton Dallas is the largest hotel in Texas.

Hotel Cuisine

Past experience tells me hotel food isn’t usually palette satisfying. For the ‘foodie,’ however, food far at he Sheraton Dallas is some of best I’ve had.

Management has unleashed the chefs to explore recipes which venture into unique blends of spices and sauces. At times I questioned that I was in Dallas with the variety of cuisine ranging from Mediterranean, Americana and simple “comfort food.”

For those wanting to explore the city, the Sheraton is ideally located to easily get around downtown. Within just a few blocks at the Sheraton Dallas is any number of attractions and destinations to discover.

Dallas Black Dance Theater

A contemporary modern dance company, the acclaimed Dallas Black Dance Theater performs a mixed contemporary repertory of modern jazz, ethnic and spiritual works of nationally and internationally renowned choreographers such as Alvin Ailey, Talley Beatty, Alonzo King, Milton Myers, Elisa Monte, Donald McKayle, Christopher Huggins, David Parsons and Darryl Sneed. DBDT is the oldest, continuously operating professional dance company in Dallas.

The Sheraton Dallas Downtown is located at 400 North Olive Street in downtown Dallas. For more information, call 214-922-8000 or visit their website at sheratondallashotel.com.

 
Dallas Museum of Art

The Dallas Museum of Art is a perfect outing for families. Established in 1903, the museum features an outstanding collection of more than 23,000 works of art from around the world, from ancient to modern times. The museum also has a long history of providing varied and dynamic programs, events, and exhibitions to engage visitors more fully with the art.

If you go to the Dallas Museum of Art, make sure you don’t just observe the great works of others, but take time to create your own works of art in the Center for Creative Connections. This unique 12,000-square-foot learning environment provides interactive encounters with original works of art and artists for visitors of all ages.

Nasher Sculpture Center

Open to the public since October 20, 2003, the Nasher Sculpture Center is one of the few institutions in the world devoted to the exhibition, study, and preservation of modern sculpture.  Conceived as a serene urban retreat for the enjoyment of modern art, the Sculpture Center is the new home of the renowned Raymond and Patsy Nasher Collection of modern and contemporary sculpture.

The Nasher Sculpture Center is on a world class level and you’ll see works from such famous artists as Picasso, Lichtenstein, Rodin, Miro and others. When you stroll outside, the exterior sculptures are highlighted by the Dallas skyline. Each complements the other beautifully and the outside gardens and permanent sculptures provide excellent opportunities for photographers.

Galleria Mall

There is absolutely no other place to shop in Dallas other than the Galleria. Even shopping elitists from Beverly Hills give it high marks. The Dallas Galleria is a multi-level shopper’s delight. The bottom level features restaurants and a popular ice skating rink; the upper two levels offer additional shopping, eateries and a children's play area.

Inspired by Milan, Italy's famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele built in 1867, Galleria Dallas offers more than 200 of the most celebrated shops from around the world.

Dallas World Aquarium and Zoological Garden

This is one of those attractions that you just don't want to leave out of your time in Dallas. An old warehouse at 1801 North Griffin Street, near the Historic West End District in downtown Dallas, became the original site of The Dallas World Aquarium, opening to the public in October 1992. Built in 1924, the empty warehouse had been occupied until 1982. During those years it was used for various industries, including the Mohawk Rubber Company and Pioneer Steel Rule and Die.

The attraction features three restaurants, Cafe Maya - 11:30am - 2:30pm, Eighteen-O-One - 11:30am - 2:30pm and the Jungle Cafe - 11:00am - 4:00pm. If you like the feeling of exploring the deepest parts of a jungle - the Dallas World Aquarium and Zoological Garden is place you could spend all day taking in God's natural beauty. For more information see dwazoo.com.

Church While You Are Away

Once upon a time in 1872, a small, determined congregation pooled its hard earned money together to purchase its first building, on Akard, in downtown Dallas. The cornerstone of the sanctuary where worship is held today was laid in 1891.

In the heart of Dallas - six city blocks, seven major buildings, and many fruitful years later, nationally recognized First Baptist Dallas, under the care of Pastor and Teacher, Dr. Robert Jeffress, is committed to serving the Lord by loving others well and standing firm on biblical truth. The church is located at 1707 San Jacinto Street, Dallas – park in the Ross Avenue Parking Garage.

Fellowship Church Downtown has two identical worship experiences, 10:00am and 11:26am. Ed Young is a pastor, author and conference speaker noted for his creative communication style. He has a passion for making the complex, simple as he speaks truth to people in ways they can understand and apply to their everyday lives. Fellowship Church is located in the gateway of the Dallas Arts District. Take the Ross Avenue exit from US-75 - turn right, and you'll find us on the right.

Final Thoughts

Large is sometimes hard to do well. The staff at Sheraton Dallas is obviously into leadership development that focuses on customer service and satisfaction as small details are a “big” deal. I would the hotel to be a great home base whether for business or vacation travel.

The Sheraton Dallas Downtown is located at 400 North Olive Street in downtown Dallas. For more information, call 214-922-8000 or visit their website at sheratondallashotel.com.